Spent a month in Italy during which we rented a car from Avis. Paid for the rental using Chase Sapphire which provides car rental coverage as a benefit; however, AVIS mandates that you have the CDW coverage under them. Chase told me in this case the coverage provided by Chase (via Virginia Surety) becomes secondary. One coverage I did decline - which I WISH I HADN"T - is the windshield protection. Unluckily for us, a pebble hit our windshield and created an 8-inch long crack. Upon returning the car at FCO the intake person at AVIS immediately pointed out the windshield crack, but not only that....he pointed out this TINY ding on the rim of the wheel well that wasn't documented when we initially took the car. Ultimately, we were charged $1500 USD for these two repairs!!!! (the windshield being the costlier of the two). So, I submitted a claim to Chase and after a month they replied that I am not covered since I didn't waive the AVIS' CDW coverage. I had to then submit a request for secondary review and had to send a letter explaining that AVIS's CDW was mandatory - I had no option to decline it; therefore, CHASE should kick in as the secondary insurance. It will probably be another month before I hear back and I am just assuming they will find another reason to decline my claim. What a terrible experience so far. Has anyone else experienced this? Any advice? Thanks!
Posted by
Schwerin
4229 posts
Before: this is not tourist scam imo. Posting such happenings into this category is nothing else but the trial to damage reputation.
First to the learning which is valid for all travelers taking a rental car: to protect yourself best from paying another one's damage is to check the car BEFORE driving the first meter for any damages, scratches and what soevers. Document these by photo or video. Take care that ALL is documented in the handover protocol (position, size, ...). If not EVERYTHING is listed do NOT drive off but ask the staff for completing the protocol. Do not forget to check and photograph the mileage and the fuel status.
Furthermore inform yourself about insurance policies such as CDW (sometimes LDW), windshield and tires and others.
When a damage occurred inform the rental car firm immediately and document the damage in a detailed way (when, where, who, what, photo / video). A rental car firm which finds a new large damage on car return will not have much trust in the contract partner.
Jol, in your case: asking the forum for mountain areas like Dolomites and not choosing full insurance, esp. windshield and tyres, was not the best decision as you mentioned yourself. Your described behavior seems to be negligently; so the damage is yours, also to fully pay it; just my opinion, no law-based judgement.
Tip: What you can try is to register a complaint at European Car Rental Conciliation Service (ECRCS).
Again: I do not see this as tourist scam.
Posted by
Bristol, UK
1930 posts
CDW is included by law on car rentals within the EU and GB. Is it not possible to decline it. You are only ever responsible for the excess (deductible US term). This varies in amount depending on the company but is typically €1000 or so.